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Local Dance Commissioning ProjectIn Support of Metro DC Dance Community, Artists Commissioned for World Premieres

Project Mission

The Millennium Stage Local Dance Commissioning Project (LDCP) supports the local dance community by nurturing the creation of new dance work and presenting that new work to a wide audience via the Millennium Stage, the Kennedy Center's free daily performance series.

The Millennium Stage aims to:

Stimulate and transmit the creativity and joy inherent in the performing arts;

Seek out and present programming of the highest standards that reflects the diverse cultural life of the United States and from around the world;

Encourage, nurture, and develop the widest possible audience for the performing arts;

Welcome, value, support, and respect both artists and patrons;

Honor the hallmarks of quality and diversity.

2015 LDCP Performance Dates

Award Details

Kennedy Center LDCP awards are given to local (DC Metro Area) dance choreographers/companies to create a new work or a combination of works to premiere on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage in September/October 2016.

Commissions are awarded by a panel consisting of Kennedy Center staff based on the strength of application and artistic merit. Awards will be announced in February, and recipients will then have time for creative development through August. Exact performance dates are determined after artist selection.

In its complete stage, the proposed work must be at least 20 minutes in length but no longer than 50 minutes. Both choreographer and company/dancers must be local. Applications for work created specifically for the Millennium Stage will be given preference over works already in progress.

The Commission Award includes:

$7,500 artist fee

Center-hosted private showings for choreographers to share work and receive feedback

Rehearsal space, as available, at the Kennedy Center

Technical support prior to the performance to develop lighting, sound, and/or set concepts for the new work

LDCP Required Application Materials

This application is your opportunity to share your creative vision. All criteria MUST be addressed. (Parts A, B, C and D).

Part A. Complete Applicant Questionnaire

Part B. Provide a statement addressing the following topics in no more than two typed pages:

Begin with a brief artistic statement that describes your creative work and your process.

Share an idea for a new work that the Millennium Stage Local Dance Commissioning Project would help fund. In your response, please address the issue of how this new work fits artistically, technically, and spatially in the Millennium Stage venue, and in principle with the Millennium Stage mission (please note: stage dimensions of the Millennium stage are 24 ft. X 24 ft.). Be specific about your ideas for musical accompaniment.

The newly commissioned work or combination of works must be at least 20 minutes but not more than 50 minutes start to finish, no intermissions. Within your written statement, indicate the projected length of the new work. Indicate how you would round out the rest of the program should the new work be less than 50 minutes. Additional programming can come from your existing repertoire. While Q&As can be added post-performance, a Q&A is NOT an acceptable way to fill remaining performance time.

Part C. Provide visual representations of your work via recording.

Items 1 & 2 below required. Both video elements may be included on the same tape.

VHS, DVD or links to video are accepted. DVDs must be compatible to DVD players.

Proposed Work: Recording of movement for the new work that you are interested in developing. Professional-quality video and/or editing is NOT required or expected (i.e.feel free to set up a camera in the corner of a rehearsal studio and press record).

Existing Repertory: Recording of existing work that demonstrates you can produce a polished work, as well as how you would complete the program if necessary.

Part D. Additional Creative Representation

It is important for us to get a clear picture of your ideas for a new work. We understand that your artistic vision has its own, unique way in which it must be shared. Include a minimum of one additional "Freestyle" representation that best supports/communicates your proposal.

Some suggestions are included below. Please do not limit yourself to these suggestions, and be as exploratory as you see fit in sharing your creative vision and process.

Application Checklist

Before you mail your application, double check to make sure it is complete. Also, make sure your contact information is listed clearly on your application including Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, and Email.